true

I UK [truː] / US [tru] adjective
Word forms "true":
adjective true comparative truer superlative truest
***

Ways of emphasizing that something is true:

Actually/In actual fact → used for saying what is really true, when this is different from what people think There's no denying → used for saying that something is clearly true, even if you would prefer it not to be true No doubt about it/There's no two ways about it → used for saying that something is definitely true The fact remains (that)/The fact is → used for saying that something is still true despite what people have said or done Let's face it/The truth is/There's no escaping the fact that → used before saying something that people might not want to accept, although it is true Believe (you) me → used for emphasizing that you are telling the truth, especially when you are warning someone about something You'd better believe it → used when talking to someone you know well, for emphasizing that what you are saying is true and they should take it seriously I promise (you)/Take my word for it → used for emphasizing that what you are saying is completely true, even if it seems hard to believe or accept
Examples:
People often think those two are sisters, but in actual fact, they're not even related. There's no denying Anthony is the best person for the job. There's no two ways about it, the best team won. ♦ We're going to need to borrow some money, no doubt about it. You can plead with him all you like, but the fact remains, he's gone and he's never coming back. ♦ The fact is, she lied about her qualifications when she applied for the job. Let's face it, we're getting too old for all these parties and concerts. ♦ The truth is, I just don't love you any more. ♦ There's no escaping the fact that your sister is prettier than you. If you don't study harder for your exams, you're going to fail, believe you me. ♦ Believe me, there will be difficult times ahead if we don't act now. "Are you really going to quit your job and sail round the world?" "You'd better believe it!" Take my word for it, you're better off without him – he wasn't good enough for you.
Ways of emphasizing that something is not true:
Don't you believe it → an informal way of emphasizing to someone that something is not true Where did you get that idea? → an informal way of telling someone that what they think is definitely not true Nothing could be further from the truth → used for emphasizing that something is definitely not true There must be some mistake → used for saying that you think what someone has said is not true or that you are being wrongly accused of something I wish/If only → an informal way of saying that something is not true, although you would be pleased if it were true
Examples:
"I'm sure he'll be here soon." "Don't you believe it! He never had any intention of coming." "I hear you're moving to a new school." "Where did you get that idea?" They think I'm rich and successful, but nothing could be further from the truth. "James won't be at the meeting – he's on holiday this week." "There must be some mistake, I saw him just a minute ago." "Is it true you're going out with Helen?" "I wish!"

1)

a) based on facts or things that really happen, and not made up

The film is based on a true story.

They used to guarantee housing for all workers, but that's no longer true.

be/hold true (for someone/something):

The students are excited and the same holds true for their teachers.

true of someone/something:

It rains a lot in the northwest, and that is especially true of Cumbria.

b) used for admitting that something is true, although you think that something else is also true and is more important

Well, true, he is rich, but is he happy?

True, I suppose I've never thought about it like that.

it's true (that):

It's true that my car cost a lot, but it's a good investment.

that may/might be true, but:

"They say they are spending record amounts on public education." "Well, that may be true, but there are still shortages of teachers."

2) [only before noun] real or actual, especially when compared with how something seems to be

Lara never shows her true feelings.

The study shows that the true cost of nuclear energy is much higher than most people think.

3) [only before noun] a true friend, leader etc, or true love, happiness etc, has the qualities that you would expect that type of person or thing to have

Lynn has always been a true friend to me.

Curry was a true champion in every sense.

Nelson has a true passion for literature.

4) [never before noun] if you are true to someone or something, you continue to be loyal to them or support them despite anything that happens

true to:

I will always be true to you.

remain/stay true (to someone/something):

Through the years, Doug remained true to his family.

5) [never before noun] completely straight, upright, or level

•

(all/only) too true — used for saying that something is true when you wish that it was not

Sadly the rumour is all too true.

(there's) many a true word spoken in jest — used for saying that what someone says as a joke may in fact be correct or accurate

true to form/type — used for saying that someone is doing exactly what you expected because this is what they usually do

True to form, Tony asked to borrow some more money.

true to your word/promise — doing exactly what you said you would do

True to his promise, Brian called me the next day.

- someone's aim is true

- someone never said a truer word

- someone's true colours

- true to life

See:

come I

II UK [truː] / US [tru] adverb
Word forms "true":
comparative truer superlative truest literary

in a completely straight line towards the intended place

•

- speak true

See:

ring I